OSCE co-organizes discussion on legislative regulation of freedom of speech in Kazakhstan

An OSCE-supported international roundtable discussion on the legislative aspects of freedom of speech took place on 15 May 2015 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech Adil Soz, the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan and the international non-governmental organization Article 19 with Norwegian Government’s support.

It brought together some 40 parliamentarians, officials from the Communications, Informatization and Information Committee of the Innovation and Development Ministry, representatives of non-governmental organizations, journalists, national and international media experts.

Michael Unland, a Senior Adviser from the OSCE Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media presented a review of the situation with freedom of expression in Kazakhstan and the Office’s recommendations in this regard.

Participants discussed and analysed the dynamics of development of Kazakhstan's media legislation, most notably related to criminal and administrative justice reforms and a draft law on access to information. They prepared a list of recommendations for drawing a "road map" for its further improvement in accordance with international standards of freedom of speech.

The event is a part of Office’s multi-year activities in promoting media freedom and access to information.